Yet finding the right pair can be quite a challenge, according to Steve Biancardi of Island Companies.

“The first thing is to work out whether you want a pair of sunglasses that’s more of a fashion look or whether you want something that’s more serviceable. More serviceable pieces will be your Maui Jims, your Ray-Bans, your Oakleys, and then style wise you’ve got your Bulgari, Dior, Chanel, Gucci, Versace, Prada, which will be a lot more style orientated,” he says.

Even though the more fashion oriented brands may not offer the very high level optics that can be found in the more specialised sunglasses when it comes to contrast and anti glare features, all the sunglasses stocked by De Sunglass Man in Camana Bay offer proper UV protection, so regardless of your style, your eyes will be taken care of.

Of course, regardless of what style you like on the shelf, it might not quite suit your face, which is where the staff at De Sunglass Man come into their own.

“The guys here know their frames, they know their lenses, they know the styles, so they are very, very capable of finding styles that will suit you as well. Something that is not too wide for your face, not too big, so it won’t catch on your cheekbones,” says Steve.

Of course, occasionally someone will come in with a very set idea of what they want, even though it might not be the ideal option for them. In such cases a little subterfuge might be required, with a more suitable style being introduced into the conversation very subtly. The staff are more than a little proud to say that they usually win out in the end, although quite often customers will buy the suggested pair in addition to the pair they originally came in for.

“We want you to look good and we want to make sure you feel good,” says Steve.

With so much watersports related activities on Island, one of the key features many people look for in sunglasses is polarised lenses. This is especially vital to those who spend time boating, as the glare reducing nature of polarised lenses allow boaters a much clearer view of what lurks beneath the water.

Maui Jim sunglasses are ideal, as the entire range is polarised, while Ray Ban and Oakley also do polarised models. Although not as well known as some of the other brands, Carrera sunglasses also boast a range of polarised lenses perfect for the outdoors. Even some of the designer brands feature polarised lenses, so no matter what your style you can have the best possible time out on
the water.

For those style mavens on a tight budget, there is also great news, as Gucci has brought out an entry level range of sunglasses as well, starting at around $120.

“If someone does want a pair of Guccis and have their heart set on a pair of Guccis they now can get them at a slightly more affordable price,” says Steve.

There are even special collections in a couple of ranges, including the very popular LiveStrong collection in Oakley, as well as the Madonna collection in Dolce & Gabbana.

Oakley’s newer ranges include models like the Split Jacket and Jawbone that come standard with two pairs of lenses to allow you to adapt the glasses to changing light conditions. The design also makes it quick and easy to switch the lenses, rather than the somewhat arduous task it can be on some older models.

However, when it comes to sunglasses, it can be really tough to choose, which is why De Sunglass Man stocks a wide variety of styles.

“We have everything from the classics that have been around for many years like the Wayfarers and Clubmasters in Ray-Ban right through to much more sporty and much more elegant designs, so there really is something for everyone, style wise and looks wise,” says Steve.

So what to get? Well, when it comes to sunglasses, even though one pair might be able to do it all, perhaps it shouldn’t have too. After all, a day of watersports might not be the ideal opportunity to wear a pair of expensive designer sunglasses.

“There’s always space for more – you’ve got your beach shades, you’ve got your brunch shades, you’ve got your work shades – it’s very rare for someone to just buy one pair of shades because when you narrow it down, when you’ve got several hundred styles, it’s difficult to pick just one,” according to Steve.

So that’s the bad news as far as your fashion budget is concerned – you might end up walking out of De Sunglass Man with more than one pair of sunglasses.

Help is at hand though.

“We do a multiple purchase discount here, so you do get an additional 10 or 20 per cent off if you buy three or five pieces, so if you do buy a couple of pieces, you get an additional discount,” smiles Steve. This deal doesn’t just apply to sunglasses too, De Sunglass Man shares a space with watch store Watch.Me, so you can mix and match three or five watches or pairs of sunglasses and still receive your additional discount, and all purchases in these stores are covered by Island Companies’ 90 day global money back guarantee.

Sunglasses for kids

The early years are the most important when it comes to maintaining healthy vision throughout life, and a good pair of sunglasses are vital, especially in Cayman where everyone spends so much time outside. With sunglasses for kids from the likes of Ray-Ban, you can be sure of the same quality optics included in their adult range, but sized for smaller faces. The styles also mirror those of the regular range of adult glasses, which means style is very much on the menu. And which kid doesn’t want to look every bit as cool as mum or dad?

De Sunglass Man 640-5339 (Camana Bay)/946-2507 (George Town)